Ten members of the Owls softball team have earned All-America Scholar-Athlete honors from the NFCA for the 2025-26 academic year. To qualify, athletes needed a GPA of 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The honorees include Kaitlyn Bearley, MC Brown, Brianna Byrd, Gillion Eaves, Rachel Etheridge, Trinity Garvin, Asia Glass, Avery Johnston, Addison Owen, and Brooklyn Rhodes. A total of 8,850 collegiate student-athletes were recognized by the NFCA this year across all levels of softball. This acknowledgment highlights the academic success within the sport, especially among the Owls' roster members.

By the Numbers
  • 10 Owls athletes received NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors.
  • A total of 8,850 collegiate student-athletes across all levels earned NFCA honors for the 2025-26 academic year.
  • NCAA Division I had 2,637 scholar-athletes qualifying with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • NCAA Division III had 2,491 and Division II had 1,869 qualifying athletes.
State of Play
  • The NFCA recognized a record number of scholar-athletes this year, emphasizing the academic commitment in collegiate softball.
  • The Owls have demonstrated strong academic performance alongside athletic excellence, reflecting their dedication.
  • This recognition can enhance the team's reputation and recruitment prospects moving forward.
What's Next

As the academic year progresses, the Owls will likely aim to maintain or improve their student-athletes' academic performance. Continued success in the classroom may attract more attention from potential recruits and enhance the program's stature. The team could also capitalize on this recognition to promote their brand and foster community support.

Bottom Line

The Owls' achievement of having ten players recognized as NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes underscores the critical balance between academics and athletics. Their performance not only highlights individual dedication but also enhances the program's reputation, setting a strong precedent for future athletes.